If you have recently lost one of your teeth, you understand how difficult adjusting to your new bite can be. While you may have taken your full smile for granted, simple activities now become more difficult. Because we rely on teeth to articulate speech, your voice can sound a bit off. The esthetic effects of missing teeth are quite apparent, but the problems created by misalignment are far worse. Without treatment, the remaining teeth can drift toward the gap in your smile, bringing your bite into a worse position. As certain teeth take a disproportionate amount of force, they can wear down more quickly, greatly increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Because gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, this can lead to even greater tooth loss.
At your Ankeny, IA, dental practice, we help patients preserve their smiles after tooth loss by designing attractive prosthetic replacement teeth. A dental bridge offers a nonsurgical option for restoring your smile by attaching a false tooth to crowns placed on either side of your gap. We take careful measurements to design a prosthetic that mimics a natural tooth, fitting comfortably with your natural bite. By permanently bonding your bridge to your smile, you can enjoy its support for years to come. Simply stick to a rigorous oral hygiene routine and attend regular checkups to evaluate the status of your bridge!
When You Lose A Tooth As An Adult
A healthy smile enjoys the protection of an enamel layer that takes on the force of your bite each day. This hardest material in the human body can withstand hundreds of pounds of bite force, but it is not immune to physical or chemical damage. If a sudden accident or prolonged bout of decay breaks the seal of your enamel, the sensitive inner portions of your tooth become susceptible to infection. This is why we ask you to report all dental injuries to our office as soon as they occur. We can examine your smile to determine if you require a dental filling, crown, or bond to restore your enamel’s seal. This helps prevent an infection down the line.
Placing Your Dental Bridge
At your consultation, we will take careful measurements of your tooth gap and other oral structures to design a permanent bridge that fits comfortably in your smile. When the prosthetic is complete, we will bond it in place so you may enjoy its support right away. By prioritizing your oral hygiene, you can prevent additional damage from threatening the stability of your new replacement tooth.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA, Dentist About Replacing Your Tooth
If you would like to learn more about this prosthetic option or any other we offer, please contact your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at (515) 207-6182 to schedule a visit.
